Category Archives: Quran quotes & discussions

Naturally the Quran is not the only source of law that is authorised by God. In that book is clearly also referred to the previous letters of men of God, like the books of Mosesand the minor and major prophets.

It is good to see how certain people of the Muslim faith want to mix the writings of those prophets with the writings of ordinary beings who lived after Muhammad and brought their own rules into books they say all Muslims have to follow.
As such we do have to know and Muslims also should have to know, that what happened in Judaism and in Christendom also happened in Islam. Also in that religion human thought for many became more important than the Words of God Himself.

The niqab has become a symbol of the Muslim faith. It is worn by many Muslim women in public areas and in front of non related males. Worn mainly in the Arab world and in the Muslim countries of Africa and Asia it has become part of our streetview as well the last ten years.

Everybody should see that many Muslim scholars have invented extreme rules for women’s dress which are not found in the Quran. In our previous article we showed that some say that women should be totally covered except for their face, while others who are even more extreme, say that all women must be covered from head to toe except for two holes for the eyes to see! They should know if they want to dress accordingly they should take into account the dress-code of the country where they are willing to live in. In many European countries we may not walk naked on the streets, so we do have to respect that limitation of freedom, but also the opposite people may not be dressed so that nobody can recognise who is behind the outer garments.

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To remember

1- Quran source of law that is authorised by God (6:114).

2- Quran complete + fully detailed (6:38, 6:114, 6:89 and 12:111).

3- God calls on His true believers to make sure not to fall in the trap of idol worship by following the words of the scholars instead of the words of God (9:31).

4- God calls those who prohibit what He did not prohibit, aggressors, liars and idol worshippers (5:87, 6:140, 7:32, 10:59).

The command to follow the Quran alone is given very clearly in the Quran, see: Dozen Reasons

“O children of Adam, We have brought down to you garments to cover your private parts, as well as for adornment, yet the garment of reverence is the best. These are some of God’s signs, perhaps they will remember.” 7:26

To revere God + know that He is always watching us = basic rule for dress code in Quran

Any woman knows quite well what is decent + what is revealing => not need to be told <= know how to maintain righteousness + how not to

in 24:31 = God commands women to cover their bosoms = crucial words mentioned in connection to this topic, namely the ‘hijab [Any partition which separates two things (e.g. that which separates God from creation)]’ + the ‘khimar’.

Religious Jewish women still cover their heads most of the time + especially in the synagogues, at weddings + religious festivities = cultural =/= religious

Some Christian women cover their heads in many religious occasions while nuns some years ago also covered their heads all the time, though that seems long forgotten

‘hijab’ = traditional dress + has nothing to do with Islam or religion

Mixing religion with tradition = form of idol-worship = implies setting up other sources of religious laws besides law of God.

‘khimar’ in Quran:

in 24:31 While the 1 basic rule of Dress Code for Muslim women can be found in 7:26, 2nd rule of dress code for women can be found in 24:31.

Some Muslims quote verse 31 of sura 24 as containing the ‘hijab’, or head cover, by pointing to the word, khomoorihinna, (their khimars), forgetting that God already used the word ‘hijab’, several times in the Quran.

the words of God – 24:31 are:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and to guard their private parts and not to show their adornments except that of it which normally shows. They shall cover their cleavage with their ‘khimar’. They shall not show their adornments except in the presence of their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other women, their slaves, the male attendants who have no sexual desire and the children who are yet to attain awareness of women’s nakedness. They shall not strike their feet so as to reveal details of their hidden ornaments. You shall repent to God all you believers, so that you may succeed.” 24:31

Arabic word khimar = cover => Any cover such as a curtain, a dress, table cloth, blanket, a coat, a shawl, a shirt, a blouse, a scarf etc.

“O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their garments. This is better so that they will be recognized and not molested. God is Forgiver, Merciful.” 33:59

not say how long is long => God knows we will be living in different communities + have different cultures => insists that minor details of this dress code will be left for the people of every community to decide for themselves, as long as righteousness is always maintained.

Many Muslim scholars have invented extreme rules for women’s dress which are not found in the Quran < => There are no words anywhere in the Quran which command women to cover all their bodies

The recent attacks on Niqab wearing female bring up some earlier discussions I had last year and this year with different people of different religions. in Belgium burka’s may be forbidden but not much is done against those who still wear it. The regional government of Ticino has introduced fines of up to $13,000 for women (or presumably men too) wearing a burka or niqab in public.

With the many Muslim refugees coming into Europe and with Muslim terrorists having become more active in our own regions people have become more afraid for those women and perhaps also men who are dressed so that we can not recognise who is behind the clothes.

Under Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the previous Canadian government had hoped to persuade the Supreme Court of Canada to hear its case for striking down lower-court rulings that allowed women to wear the niqab — a face covering used by some Muslim women — at citizenship ceremonies. He was floundering in the polls until he turned the niqab into a hot-button issue. Some say he’s distracting voters from his poor management of the economy, his war on the environment and his anti-refugee policy.

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Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose, who was a member of the Tory government that filed the leave to appeal, issued a statement Monday following the Liberals’ announcement.

“The new government is entitled to end this appeal,”

she said.

But Ambrose added:

“As a woman who has advocated for women’s rights around the world my entire adult life, I do not believe the niqab affirms the equality rights of women and girls, nor does it reflect the values of an open, tolerant society. This is a matter for which the government must now answer.” {Liberals drop legal bid to ban niqab at citizenship ceremonies}

The hatred shown to women who wear a veil should have many to rethink how those shouting awful words are educated.

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Be careful when you want to watch this video: the language used in this video is awful and can be shocking

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People also should see that there is a big difference in the outer garments and that in the 1950ies women in our regions also wore veils and head scarf and this should still be possible today by all women, not only Muslim women and had nothing to do with giving women no rights.

In a 2014 discussion with Meditating Muslimah about the Muslim faith and some articles I wrote on the Ottoman Empire plus about the hijab to be or not to be a religious obligation she wrote:

First let me say that I think on most things we actually agree– i.e. religion should be separate from state, and no state should be dictating to its citizens what they have to do or believe when it is a matter of personal faith and choice. Our disagreement is over what the Ottoman empire and Turkish government do/ have done on this subject.

My knowledge on this subject comes from being married to a Turk, but also more than that because I have many Turkish friends; one of whom, a very good friend of mine, also happens to be a Turkish historian specializing in the Ottoman Empire and history of the early Turkish republic.

My definition of religious freedom is being able to freely practice the tenants of one’s faith without interference from the government (as long as doing so does not harm anyone else). By this definition, the fact of the matter is that under the Ottoman Empire there was religious freedom in that anyone of any faith was free to live out their faith. Yes, the empire was strongly intertwined with Islam. But they did not prevent people of other faiths, namely Christians and Jews, from living out their faith freely. No one was forced to wear anything. No one was forced to be Muslim. Christians and Jews lived peacefully and freely alongside Muslims in the Ottoman Empire for centuries.I believe what you are thinking of when you speak is about modern day Saudi Arabia. Personally, I disagree with their forcing everyone to abide by their version of sharia law; not only is it un-Islamic to force people to live by sharia, but many of the rules in their version of ‘sharia’ have no basis in the Quran or hadith.

In those articles on different platforms and on her site I also discussed the ‘Islamic Hijab (Veil)’ and wondered about the responsibility both men and women have in applying Hijab, as well as addressing the doubts one may have, and logically explaining ‘Why Hijab?’.

In my historical articles I looked at woman in the previous centuries, deprived of her human values and transposed to a material thing used by men for enjoyment or sometimes used as a slave and how the danger exist certain groups are willing to come to such a situation again. The fact remains that the exploitation of a woman and deprivation of her rights, the confiscation of her humanity reached a point where it became difficult for modern man to imagine, but we at present time can imagine how certain groups again try to push women in a certain corner and do not want them to show their own self to others.

For those who are upset by certain Muslim traditions and views I would like to bring to the attention a remark from Discovering Anthropology

In line with the specification, we were told to discuss the disadvantages that women face in the developing world and then discuss whether the West has helped the developing world to lessen the disadvantage faced by women living there.

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I thought about the law in France that introduced the banning of the Burka in public. The aim of the law was, at least in part, to enable the integration of all sections of society by reducing perceived pressures on women to conform to what was thought of as male oppression in certain communities. In this example, it seems, the women who it effected most were consulted the least, thereby possibly subjecting many of them to alienation or a different form of oppression.

It seems to me most things we talk about in our society are linked to some core values that we hold. We are, I think, often unaware of how much our Western values shapes the way we think and how that can result in us imposing what we believe to be helpful measures that can dis-empower people from various minorities or from other parts of the world. {Cultural Bias}

When women who want to live according to their faith are feeling no t at ease to wear a headscarf in public our society is at risk to bring discrimination under its citizens. when women (or men) feel that anything they say or do is perceived as representing Islam, even if it is not correct, and they get the feeling always to be walking on eggshells and when they do not like being labeled and therefore have to abandon that what they would love to do, we are in big problem. {Why we stopped wearing the hijab – Canadian Muslim women reveal their reasons for removing the headscarf in public –}

Women wearing hijab

No objections should be made for women in the West wearing a headscarf, a hijab, a shayla, a khimar or wearing a al-amira or the more closed chador. Concerning the niqab there may be many debates and controversy, but in the West we should reject when it leaves only some place for the eyes and does not see the whole face. The use of a burka should be prohibited for security reasons and for the possible restrictions for the person wearing it, that may be behind it. though we must recognise there are also many differences in sorts of burkas. The burka worn throughout Middle Eastern nations and most Muslim nations around the world, with a few liberal or democratic governments being less strict about its use can leave just a small line open in front of the eyes or can show more of the eyes..

According to me Islam may be a religion of balance, moderation, and modesty that places a strong emphasis on the maintenance of proper boundaries, whether social or moral. The practice of hijab among Muslim women is grounded in religious human doctrine, yet the Qurʾan does not require it. To cover their faces is according to me a man-made religious ordinance and not a Low from Allah, but in case women would like to wear a head scarf this they should be able to do. Concerning the burka, that is a whole different matter and this should not be allowed for the reasons said above.

Meditating Muslimah reacted

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It doesn’t matter whether or not YOU believe hijab to be a religious obligation. Many Muslim women (including myself) read the Quran and decide for themselves that it IS a religious obligation, or at least that they believe it is an important part of their faith, something that God wants them to do as a part of being modest. This is their opinion, and their right to decide. They have a right to live their faith how they feel they are supposed to. However, I do want to point out that there is a flaw in your understanding of the Quran verse you quoted. The flaw is in the translation of the original Arabic word: “they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” The word ‘veil’ here is ‘khimar’. It means a garment/ scarf / veil that covers the head (and possibly also face). So the implication is that the head covering should also cover the chest (there is some disagreement as to what exactly a khimar was, but most agree it was a shawl type garment that covered the head. This is why some such as myself do not feel it obligatory to cover the head). There is also another verse that discusses covering, again using the word ‘jelabib’ in Arabic: “O (most illustrious) Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters, as well as the women (wives and daughters) of the believers, to draw over themselves some part of their outer garments (when outside their homes and when before men whom they are not forbidden to marry because of blood relation). This is better and more convenient for them to be recognized (and respected for their decency and decorum) and not harassed.

God is indeed All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate” (Quran 33:59). The word “outer garment” here is actually the word ‘jelabib.’ There is of course some disagreement between Muslims regarding what exactly a jilbab/ jelabib is, but most agree that it means a loose outer garment that also covers the head. But because neither of these verses are clear, many, including myself, understand when Muslim women choose not to cover their heads.

Those who insist that covering completely in niqab (covering the face, i think this is what you mean by burka) or even insist on telling Muslim women that they MUST were hijab are wrong in forcing their beliefs on others, however, it does not mean they misinterpret the Quran or that they say there is something there that is not — who are we to judge who is right or wrong in the interpretation of something that is not clear today?
It is however considered a historical fact, and discussed throughout authentic hadiths, that the wives of the Prophet Muhammad were required to cover their whole bodies and faces (in order to protect themselves and the Prophet from rumors of adultery). Some of the believing women may have chosen to follow their example in that time. I believe there is nothing wrong if someone chooses to follow this example too in modern society, though personally it is not my preference. For more on the definitions of khimar and jilabib you can see here: http://www.al-islam.org/hijab-muslim-womens-dress-islamic-or-cultural-sayyid-muhammad-rizvi/quran-and-hijab

Surah al-Fatiha may be known under various names. According to the tradition the prophet Muhammad referred to this surah as ‘The Mother of the Book’ (Ummu’l-Kitab) because it is the essence of the Qur’an. In a certain way that what is said in this surah is also the essence of the Hebrew and Christian Bible. In those scriptures the Word of God requires to come to recognise the Only One God, to praise Him and to show gratitude for the Divine Creator of heaven and earth.

According to a report by Abu Hurayra, Allah the Almighty speaks with His servant in Surah al-Fatiha:

“Allah the Almighty has said: ‘I have divided Surah al-Fatiha between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says,

“All praise and gratitude are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds”

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.(1:2)

All the praises and thanks be to Allāh, the Lord of the ‘Alamīn (mankind, jinns and all that exists). (Al-Fatihah 1:2)

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help.(1:5)

You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). (Al-Fatihah 1:5)

In the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Bible and the Quran the core is that we should only worship this Most High Creator and from Him alone should we seek help.

Or do you think that you would enter the garden while yet the state of those who have passed away before you has not come upon you; distress and affliction befell them and they were shaken violently, so that the Apostle and those who believed with him said: When will the help of Allah come? Now surely the help of Allah is nigh!(2:214)

(This) shall not be in accordance with your vain desires nor in accordance with the vain desires of the followers of the Book; whoever does evil, he shall be requited with it, and besides Allah he will find for himself neither a guardian nor ahelper.(4:123)

Then as for those who believe and do good, He will pay them fully their rewards and give them more out of His grace; and as for those who disdain and are proud, He will chastise them with a painful chastisement. And they shall not find for themselves besides Allah a guardian or a helper. (4:173)

Musa said to his people: Askhelpfrom Allah and be patient; surely the land is Allah’s; He causes such of His servants to inherit it as He pleases, and the end is for those who guard (against evil).(7:128)

And they brought his shirt with false blood upon it. He said: Nay, your souls have made the matter light for you, but patience is good and Allah is He Whosehelpis sought for against what you describe.(12:18)

“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt speak.” (Exodus 4:12 ASV)

“And he said, {1} If Jehovah do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the threshing-floor, or out of the winepress? {1) Or [Nay, let Jehovah help thee!]}” (2 Kings 6:27 ASV)

“Then the Spirit {1} came upon Amasai, who was chief of the {2} thirty, [and he said], Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. {1) Heb [clothed] 2) Another reading is [captains]}” (1 Chronicles 12:18 ASV)

“But {1} if thou wilt go, do [valiantly], be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down. {1) Or [go thou]}” (2 Chronicles 25:8 ASV)

“with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is Jehovah our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 32:8 ASV)

“Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield.” (Psalms 33:20 ASV)

“9 O Israel, trust thou in Jehovah: He is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust ye in Jehovah: He is their help and their shield. 11 Ye that fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah: He is their help and their shield.” (Psalms 115:9-11 ASV)

“1 «A Song of Ascents.» I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? 2 My help [cometh] from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2 ASV)

“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” (1 Timothy 5:5 ASV)

For most Muslims everything begins with Surah al-Fatiha which is considered a Divine treasure.

There is a close relationship between “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” and al-Fatiha. “Bismillah” is in a sense a verse from al-Fatiha. This is why many of the Islamic scholars classify “Bismillah” as one of the seven verses of Surah al-Fatiha.” There is a kind of poetical harmony between “Bismillah” and al-Fatiha. “Bismillah” begins in the Name of Allah. In the same way that we begin reciting of the Qur’an in the Name of Allah, we also begin the recitation of al-Fatiha proclaiming “Bismillah.” Indeed, any deeds or tasks that begin without reciting the Name of Allah are incomplete. {North East Islamic Community Center }

Bismillah in Persian calligraphy

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim or Basmala also known by its opening utterance Bismillah (Arabic: بسم الله‎, “In the name of God”) is the Islamic opening phrase “b-ismi-llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīmi“, often translated as “In the name of God, the Most Gracious [Rahman (The Compassionate or The Beneficent)], the Most Merciful [Rahim]“. The Most-Powerful or the Almighty we should know as The Compassionate or The Beneficent Who is there for us to help us. Several Muslims may find difficulty by Arabic-speaking Trintiarian Christians who also use the name “Basmala” to refer to the Christian liturgical often trintiarian formula, (but which not always has to be taken under that dogmatic tradition) “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” (باسم الآب والابن والروح القدسbismi-l-’ābi wa-l-ibni wa-r-rūḥi l-qudusi) from Matthew 28:19. In several Islamic countries the majority of Christians they encounter are Roman Catholics, which makes that those Muslims came to believe that all Christians do believe like those Catholics. We only can hope they (Muslims and trintiarian Christians) do come to see that there are lots of Christians who do not adhere trinitarian and other dogma‘s which are unscriptural.

As we noticed already in the previous writings, the Muslims think they use an actually an idiom, an expression that really doesn’t make much sense on a literal word-by-word basis, but the call to do something “In the name of Allah” is a very important call of the Most HighElohim. Saying ” In the name of” indicates that one is submitting to, honoring or glorifying that which is referred to, in remembrance of the Name of the most High.

What a lot of people seem to forget is that only by Allah, God of gods, is our salvation. As the Most HighMaker of everything He is the One Who can give us the most precious hope and the best help we can get. No man can be more pure and helpful than this Divine Creator. He is the Only One Who can approach every soul (being) on this earth at any time, by His Voice, with His Word, but also with His Sword. This Maker of heaven and earth can make or brake us. Those who do not recognise the Maker of all things, should be considered the poor ones of this universe. We all should come to know the Maker and Master of all things.

“Blessed are ye of Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 115:15 ASV)

“My help [cometh] from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:2 ASV)

“Our help is in the name of Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 124:8 ASV)

“Jehovah bless thee out of Zion; Even he that made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 134:3 ASV)

“Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that in them is; Who keepeth truth for ever;” (Psalms 146:6 ASV)

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.” (Proverbs 14:31 ASV)

“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; [And] he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5 ASV)

“The rich and the poor meet together: Jehovah is the maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2 ASV)

“As thou knowest not what is the way of the {1} wind, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all. {1) Or [spirit]}” (Ecclesiastes 11:5 ASV)

“In that day shall men look unto their Maker, and their eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 17:7 ASV)

“The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Jehovah of hosts is his name.” (Jeremiah 10:16 ASV)

“The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and [Israel] is the tribe of his inheritance: Jehovah of hosts is his name.” (Jeremiah 51:19 ASV)

Related articles

What Does Qur’an Command? – Part Three (haveyoumetislam.wordpress.com)
Only Allah can allow and remove harm or good to you (6:17)Allah is the Greatest Witness between people (6:19)
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Do not insult others’ gods/idols (6:108)
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Invoke Allah by His Holy Names (7:180)

HM: Be courageous for the sake of Allah (bt.com.bn)
“What is essential for us to remember is that the intention behind the deed must not be for any other reasons, it must be completely dedicated towards helping and preserving the sanctity of His religion only,” the monarch said in a titah to mark the Islamic new year.

Islam And Planning By Imam Murtadha Gusau (abusidiqu.com)
We seek refuge with Allah from our soul’s evils and our wrong doings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide.
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Some Muslims fail to plan their actions; therefore the outcomes of such actions are different from what they had in mind when they started. These Muslims work on the basis of the “Baraka (Blessing) syndrome,” or “Insha-Allah, or everything will be fine,” or “Allah will be with us”or“with the prayer (Du’a), everything is going to be alright”, etc. This new phenomenon, although it is true, is exploited by the defeated Muslims, who always look west and the seculars who reject Islam as a way of life, or those Muslims who doesn’t want to be associated with anything Islam or Muslims. They attack Islam and Muslims and accuse it of being the source of backwardness in the Muslim world.

why do we pray (religiousforums.com)
I have came across a reply saying that why would God want us to pray and praise Him? It seemed like stating that if God exists, He doesn’t need us.I agree with that 100 percent. Allah doesn’t need us. But we need Him.Speaking about psychology, people always tend to follow people they praise.. They have aspirational people who they talk good about. They view them very successful and talk good about them all the time. Sometimes it goes over the limits and tend to do every single thing that person does. They try to follow their footsteps.As I see it, that is why we worship Allah. It is for our benefit for we are more likely to follow the commandments when we do that. Allah doesn’t only give us commendments. He also gives us a way to do so.I see prayers and praising important because they help us in following the commandments that Allah gave us rather than following the “evil” desires.

The best decision making skill ever (muslim-women-exposed.blogspot.com)
Have you ever been at a place in your life when you have to make an important decision and the outcome could go either way? I’m sure all of you know those moments, moments when you wish you paid more attention to decision making skills; Moments when you know that following your whims and desires just won’t do it; Moments when other people may give you advice till they are blue in the face, but you know in the end that you are going to have to decide by yourself, and the decisions you make is something that you will have to live with.

Between Two Inshaa’Allahs…. (yassarnalquran.wordpress.com)
There is a great deal of similarity and difference in the Inshaa’Allahs uttered by two great Prophets of Allah, Prophet Moosa and Prophet Ismaeel (May Allah’s peace and mercy be upon them)Through their stories, let us try to learn a basic fact that nothing in the world can happen without the permission and will of Allah, Inshaa’Allah…..

Allah is Today’s Religious topic of the Day (08/23/14) (poetsareangels.com)
Allah is the pivot of the Muslim faith. The QUR’AN constantly preaches Allahs reality, his inaccessible mystery, his”beautiful” names, and his actions on behalf of his creatures. Three themes preponderate: (1) Allah is creator, judge, and rewarder; (2) he is unique: (wahid) and inherently one (ahad); and (3) he is omnipotent and all-merciful. God is the “Lord of the Worlds,” the most high, “nothing is like unto him,” and this in itself is to the believer a request to adore Allah as protector and to glorify his powers. God, moreover, is most compassionate, the originator of what is good and beautiful in the world; he “loves those who do good” (Qur’an 2:195), and is “closer than the jugular vein” (Qur’an 50:16). In SUFISM, he is the beloved with whom the mystic seeks union.

Through Surah al Kahf and Throughout our life! (yassarnalquran.wordpress.com)
Every week the regular reader is reminded that everything in this world happens with the knowledge and permission of Allah. Without the Will of Allah, nothing happens!Muslims are enjoined to say MaaShaaAllah and InShaaAllah in their day to day life. When making a plan, say Inshaa’Allah. If Allah wills, it will happen. Upon witnessing something pleasant or unpleasant, say MaaShaa’Allah. What Allah willed, has happened/What Allah wills, will happen! If you say these phrases by truly understanding its meaning and significance, then you will definitely feel a kind of closeness with your Lord, with Whose help, support, knowledge and permission everything happens!
+In a beautiful hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) and mentioned in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) said:“A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do, for your ” if” opens the (gate) of the doings of Satan”. (Read the Arabic text here)

None can withhold the Mercy of Allah(There is no god (worthy of worship) except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. To Him be praise and dominion, and He is able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold, and and good fortune and richness in anything cannot benefit one against Your will.)

In our first article in the series on the Quran reading Muslims got to believe Allah revealed this prayer to Muhammad early in his career as a prophet (which began in the year 610 AD, when he received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Gabriel – a revelation that is now contained in the Qur’an’s 96th chapter) so that the Muslims would know how to pray.

In the 96 chapter verses 1-5 we are asked to “Proclaim!” or “read!” in the name of the Lord and Cherisher, Who createdman, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood (hence the name Adam: the red blood), but also from the “black mud”, and Who is the is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen (4), taught man that which he knew not.

In the Bible are the human beingscreated in God’simage.According tothe Islamthe Quran/Koran rejects such a similarity of the imagebetween God and manexplicitly.

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26 ASV)

“And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7 ASV)

“And also the {1} Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent. {1) Or [Victory]; Or [Glory]}” (1 Samuel 15:29 ASV)

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ ۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِAnd certainly We created man, and We know what his mind suggests to him, and We are nearer to him than his life-vein.(50:16)

Who made the earth a resting place for you and the heaven a canopy and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud, then brings forth with it subsistence for you of the fruits; therefore do not set up rivals to Allah while you know.(2:22)

Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand.(2:164)

And with Him are the keys of the unseen treasures– none knows them but He; and He knows what is in the land and the sea, and there falls not a leaf but He knows it, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything green nor dry but (it is all) in a clear book.(6:59)

Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth and sent down water from the clouds, then brought forth with it fruits as a sustenance for you, and He has made the ships subservient to you, that they might run their course in the sea by His command, and He has made the rivers subservient to you.(14:32)

And when your Lord said to the angels: Surely I am going to create a mortal of the essence of black mud fashioned in shape.(15:28)

The opening of the Quran, starting with the prayer:

1 Fatiha, or the Opening Chapter. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
2 Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
3 Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4 Master of the Day of Judgment.
5 Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
6 Show us the straight way,
7 The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those whose portion is not wrath, and who go not astray.

In certain translations is indicated that it is only to Him (Thee alone) to give worship and (Thee alone) to ask for help.

Shakir translates:

5 Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help.
6 Keep us on the right path.
7 The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors. Not the path of those upon whom Thy wrath is brought down, nor of those who go astray.

Ysufufali and other translaters give:

5 Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
6 Show us the straight way,
7 The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose portion is not wrath, and who go not astray.

It is clear that to the Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement the Muslims do want to givepraise. It is Him Who they do worship and Whose aid they seek. Normally, like they pray, to worship Him alone, and no imams or khomeinis they also say in their prayer they only ask Allah for help (for each and everything) (5).

001.006 اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
001.006 Show us the straight way,/ Guide us to the Straight Way

001.007 صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا الضَّالِّينَ
001.007 The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

In verse 7 the Muslims often add themselves:

The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace , not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).

Inthe previous articlewe saw theopeningprayer,in which onewants to givehisgratitudeto the SupremeCreator of heavenand earth.In the name ofAllah, the Beneficent, the Mercifulthey call ontoHimand saythat He (Allah), theLord of the Worlds, belongsallpraise(2),which meansthat worldalsodoes not belong toimamsorKhomeinis, whoone reallyshould not support, too, becausethe Muslimspray andclaim that theyonlybeg for help unto the Beneficent, the Merciful, Master of theDay of Judgment. (4-5).Judgementbelongs to thefifth pillar ofiman (Imaan)[of the six pillarsofIman(faith)] in addition to thebelief in the existenceof Angels.The Muslim believesthatJudgement Daywill comeat the timeprovided for.On this dayAllah willjudge between peopleand rewardeverybodyfor whathe has done.TheFive Pillars ofIslam andsixpillarsofImanare the foundation ofIslam.

It is up toAllah/Godthat they askto be leadto the straight path. The pathwhichaccording to them,that way whatGodwould havethempresented by whom He has bestowedfavours– not thatof thosewhoearn His angernor went astray.

The Maker and Sustainer of the world, the Creator of and Provider for man, the Active Force and Effective Power in nature are all one and the same, and that is known to be Allah or God. This is the Secret of all secrets and the Most Supreme of all beings. The Holy Qur’an claims to be the True Book of God, in which He says:

It is God Who has made the night for you, that you may rest therein, and the day to see. Verily God is full of Grace and Bounty to men. Yet most men give no thanks. Such is God, your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no god but He; why then do you turn away from Him. Thus are turned away those who deny the Signs of God. It is God Who has made for you the earth as a resting place and the sky as a shelter, and has given you shape and made your shapes beautiful, and has provided for you sustenance of things good and pure; such is God your Lord. So glory to God, the Lord of the worlds! He is the Living (One); There is no god but He: Call upon Him, giving Him sincere devotion. Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds. (Qur’an, 40:61-65).

“Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3 ASV)

“And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” (Joel 2:11 ASV)

“The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly.” (Zephaniah 1:14 ASV)

“to the end that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by epistle as from us, as that the day of the Lord is just at hand;” (2 Thessalonians 2:2 ASV)

“Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psalms 2:8 ASV)

“And as for both these kings, their hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table: but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.” (Daniel 11:27 ASV)

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 ASV)

“And {1} this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole {2} world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come. {1) Or [these good tidings] 2) Gr [inhabited earth]}” (Matthew 24:14 ASV)

“Now these things happened unto them {1} by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. {1) Gr [by way of figure]}” (1 Corinthians 10:11 ASV)

“but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been {1} stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. {1) Or [stored with fire]}” (2 Peter 3:7 ASV)

“But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1 Corinthians 5:13 ASV)

“[Let] marriage [be] had in honor among all, and [let] the bed [be] undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4 ASV)

“And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and [the time] to give their reward to thy {1} servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth. {1) Gr [bondservants]}” (Revelation 11:18 ASV)

“But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32 ASV)

“inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge {1} the world in righteousness {2} by {3} the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. {1) Gr [the inhabited earth] 2) Gr [in] 3) Or [a man]}” (Acts 17:31 ASV)

Preparing forthe Day ofJudgement can be managed by seeking Him and by making sure you can findHim and by keepingHis commandments.God hasgivenHis wordto manas a guidebookand help. In the Biblewe can findthe answers toour questions andwe can findsufficient datato ensurethat we willbe ready when thedayof Jehovahcomes. For this we have to find the right direction where to go to and have to take the right path on the (high)way to God’s Kingdom.

And when Our clear communications are recited to them, they say: This is naught but a man who desires to turn you away from that which your fathers worshipped. And they say: This is naught but a lie that is forged. And those who disbelieve say of the truth when it comes to them: This is only clear enchantment.(34:43)

“But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18 ASV)

“And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth {1} the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. {1) Or [instruction]}” (Isaiah 2:3 ASV)

“and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not {1} turned out of the way, but rather be healed. {1) Or [put out of joint]}” (Hebrews 12:13 ASV)

“The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4 ASV)

“Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths.” (Psalms 25:4 ASV)

“Good and upright is Jehovah: Therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.” (Psalms 25:8 ASV)

“For {1} the commandment is a lamp; And {2} the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life: {1) Or, their [commandment] 2) Or, their [teaching]}” (Proverbs 6:23 ASV)

“There is a way which {1} seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. {1) Or [is straight before]}” (Proverbs 16:25 ASV)

“Train up a child {1} in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it. {1) Heb [according to his way]}” (Proverbs 22:6 ASV)

“And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth {1} the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. {1) Or [instruction]}” (Isaiah 2:3 ASV)

“and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 ASV)

“{1} For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. {1) Many ancient authorities read [How narrow is the gate, etc]}” (Matthew 7:14 ASV)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but {1} by me. {1) Or [through]}” (John 14:6 ASV)

“And they sing the song of Moses the {1} servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the {2} ages. {1) Gr [bondservant] 2) Many ancient authorities read [nations]; Jer 10:7}” (Revelation 15:3 ASV)

Free choice to follow the Holy Scriptures or not; from Smithsonian :Folio from a Koran :9th-10th century :Abbasid dynasty :Ink and color on parchment; Egypt :Purchase, F1929.71 The verses are from sura (chapter) 22, entitled al-Hadj (Pilgrimage) and include a discussion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hadj is one of the five principal duties of every Muslim. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each of us has to make their own choice, and have to do everything to stay on the right track. As human beings we are weak and it can and probably shall happen that we sometimes go wrong. Each time we shall have to adjust and should take care to come back on the right way aiming for the best what is laid in front of us. All people should know they are able to get salvation, and we should look forward to that time that the Word of God is preached all over the world, because than we know that the time is ripe to find the Kingdom of God, close to us.

“and I said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is grown up unto the heavens.” (Ezra 9:6 ASV)

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalms 51:5 ASV)

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 ASV)

“And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned against me, and whereby they have transgressed against me.” (Jeremiah 33:8 ASV)

“{1} let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins. {1) Some ancient authorities read [know ye]}” (James 5:20 ASV)

“For, uttering great swelling [words] of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error;” (2 Peter 2:18 ASV)

“This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.” (Job 13:16 ASV)

“Upright men shall be astonished at this, And the innocent shall stir up himself against the godless.” (Job 17:8 ASV)

“For what is the hope of the godless, {1} though he get him gain, When God taketh away his soul? {1) Or [when God cutteth him off, When he taketh etc]}” (Job 27:8 ASV)

“{1} Like the profane mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth. {1) Or [Among]}” (Psalms 35:16 ASV)

“With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9 ASV)

“Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for every one is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” (Isaiah 9:17 ASV)

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the godless ones: Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Isaiah 33:14 ASV)

“For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid [my face] and was wroth; and he went on {1} backsliding in the way of his heart. {1) Heb [turning away]}” (Isaiah 57:17 ASV)

Thoseupon whomGod’s wrathrestsare thosewho do not want to knowHimand do not wanttokeepHis commandments,those who rejectthe Truthor want to hide it.The‘erring’ are thosewho have beenmisledand who are inconsiderateorchoosing human traditionsabove theLaws of God.

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knowing the benefits of good deeds will increase our Imaan and actually it is part of the Imaan, as we will get to know what Allah is going give us on this particular deed in this world and hereafter. This helps us in performing the good deeds steadfastly and consistently.

“My Shaykh said that there is a consensus of the Hadith Masters that this Hadith is Sahih.”

Amongst the later Hadith Masters that verified this Hadith Shareef as Sahih are Imam Allama Abul-Fadl Iraqee and Imam Allama ibn Hajr and amongst the predecessor Masters, Imam Hakim author of Sahih al-Mustadrak and Imam Bayhaqee author of al-Mudkhal.
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when there comes a period in which there is a shortage of knowledge and a deterioration in following of the Sunnah; when there is an increase in false innovations and ignorance; then Almighty Allah will send a person at the beginning or end of every century who will show the difference between Sunnah and Bid’at. He will refute and destroy false innovations and will fear none but Almighty Allah. He will very bravely and sincerely hoist the flag of Deen-e-Muhammadi (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). Such a person is known as a “Mujaddid” (Reviver) of Deen.

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That which is unlawful is clear, and
Between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know.
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• He who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful,
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Therefore, each man will have what he intended.

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Yesterday specifically, pilgrims observing the core of the worship of Hajj gathered at the plains of Mount of ‘Arafah, outside Makkah where they spent their time totally in worship and proceeded from Arafah to Muzdalifah to offer prayers and cast seven stones at the symbols of Satan and other devotional course.
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it shows the spiritual committment to the covenant with Allah and absolute submission to His will at all times, in times of pain and joy. Although, the solemn pronouncement of Allah’s name over the sacrifice is an essential part of the rite, Allah does not take delight in flesh and blood, rather, it is a symbol of thanksgiving to Allah by sharing meat with fellow humans.

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21- The Prophet (S), when he was asked about humbleness in prayer, said; ‘It is to abase oneself in the prayer, and for the servant to come to his Lord wholeheartedly.’[Da`aim al-Islam, v. 1, p. 158]

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Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states that Almighty Allah says:

أنا عندَ ظنِّ عبدي بي

I am with the supposition of My servant. [Recorded in Bukhari (Hadith 7239), Muslim, Tirmidi, Nisa’i and Ibn Maja on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah]

This means that as a servant imagines or has an opinion concerning Allah, the Merciful Lord accordingly reacts with him. Knowledge and Qudrat is with everything but there is a special proximity of mercy with those who make Du’a to Him. What bigger mercy can a servant ask for than being blessed with the Divine Proximity of the Sublime Lord? Thousands of acceptances and millions of desires and intentions may be sacrificed on such Divine Proximity!

4- Imam Ali (A) narrated; ‘The Prophet (S) never put anything before his prayer, neither his dinner nor anything else. When the time for prayer would set in, it was as if he knew neither family nor close friend.’[Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 2, p. 87]

With what do you direct the student and the beginning seeker of knowledge with? – By: Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan (salaf-us-saalih.com)
I say, and with Allāh is the success, without doubt seeking knowledge is an important affair. Allāh جل وعلا says: “Know! That none has the right to be worshipped except Allāh, and ask for forgiveness of your sins and for the male and female believers” (47:19)Imām al-Bukhārī (May Allāh have mercy on him) said in his chapter “Knowledge proceeds speech and action” then he mentioned this verse.This is because if actions are not based upon knowledge, founded upon knowledge, then it is misguidance and tiring without benefit.Because the affair is like this it’s an obligation upon the Muslim to seek knowledge.

The Quran opens with the indication it is willing to speak in the name of Allah/God (الله يهوه יהוה) the Merciful to Whom praise has to be toAllah/God (الله يهوه יהוה ), the Lordof the Worlds. [(According to tradition Muslims think of: The world we can see: the world of the people and the worlds we can not see: the world of angels (paradise), and the world of the demons or Gjinn-people (hell).]

This part, the Fatiha (Opening) is the first sura (chapter) of the Qur’an and most common prayer of Islam.

Exo 6:2 And Elohim spoke to Mosheh and said to him, “I am יהוה.
Exo 6:3 “And I appeared to Aḇraham, to Yitsḥaq, and to Yaʽaqoḇ, as Ěl Shaddai. And by My Name, יהוה, was I not known to them?
Exo 6:4 “And I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Kenaʽan, the land of their sojournings, in which they have sojourned.
Exo 6:5 “And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Yisra’ĕl whom the Mitsrites are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant.
Exo 6:6 “Say, therefore, to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘I am יהוה, and I shall bring you out from under the burdens of the Mitsrites, and shall deliver you from their enslaving, and shall redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments,
Exo 6:7 and shall take you as My people, and I shall be your Elohim. And you shall know that I am יהוה your Elohim who is bringing you out from under the burdens of the Mitsrites.
Exo 6:8 ‘And I shall bring you into the land which I swore to give to Aḇraham, to Yitsḥaq, and to Yaʽaqoḇ, to give it to you as an inheritance. I am יהוה.’ ”
(Exodus 6:2-8 The Scriptures 1998+)

“and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as {1} God Almighty; but {2} by my name Jehovah I was not {3} known to them. {1) Heb [El Shaddai] 2) Or [as to] 3) Or [made known]}” (Exodus 6:3 ASV)

“but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16 ASV)

“The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and {1} is safe. {1) Heb [is set on high]}” (Proverbs 18:10 ASV)

“And in that day shall ye say, Give thanks unto Jehovah, {1} call upon his name, declare his doings among the peoples, make mention that his name is exalted. {1) Or [proclaim his name]}” (Isaiah 12:4 ASV)

Whyprophesied in the nameof Allah, saying this house shall be like Shiloh, andthis cityshall be desolate, without an inhabitant? Andall the people met

or: Whyprophesied in the nameof the Lord (Allah) shall be like Shiloh, saying this houseandthis city shall bedesolate withoutSakn.wagtmaall the peopleonJeremiahin thehouse of the Lord

(The Scriptures 1998+) (9) “Why have you prophesied in the Name of יהוה {Jehovah}, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city be dried up, without an inhabitant’?” And all the people were gathered against Yirmeyahu in the House of יהוה {Jehovah}.

“Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” (Ecclesiastes 12:1 ASV)

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? {1} The everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of his understanding. {1) Or [Jehovah is an everlasting God, the Creator…he fainteth not etc]}” (Isaiah 40:28 ASV)

“and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But thou art {1} a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not. {1) Heb [a God of forgivenesses]}” (Nehemiah 9:17 ASV)

“And foreigners shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I had mercy on thee.” (Isaiah 60:10 ASV)

“Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the {1} patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. {1) Or [endurance]}” (James 5:11 ASV)

“What if God, {1} willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: {1) Or [although willing]}” (Romans 9:22 ASV)

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(There is no god (worthy of worship) except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. To Him be praise and dominion, and He is able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold, and and good fortune and richness in anything cannot benefit one against Your will.)

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The Holy Prophet Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness of faith: (1). The one to whom Allah and His Apostle become dearer than anything else. (2). Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake. (3). Who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the fire.”
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Islamic history is full of instances of the companions, leaving their homes and properties, abandoning their closest relatives – all out of love for Allah and His Apostle Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam.

Diversity of the Seven Different Recitations of the Quran Does Not Change the Meanings (sughayyirah.wordpress.com)
It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that the Qur’an was divinely revealed in seven acceptable styles of recitations, i.e. seven Arab accents and dialects out of mercy and facilitating recitation. The recitations of the Qur’an have been transmitted by Tawatur (a significant number of reliable narrators whose agreement upon a lie is impossible). The consistency of the Qur’an confirms this. All the Qira’at of the Qur’an are based on revelation from Allah, the All-Wise, the Praiseworthy.Therefore, the diversity of Qira’at does not mean perversion, alteration, or ambiguity in the meanings of the Qur’an. Likewise, it does not imply contradiction or disorder in the objectives intended. In fact, each part of the Qur’an confirms and explains the other.

Through Surah al Kahf and Throughout our life! (yassarnalquran.wordpress.com)
Every week the regular reader is reminded that everything in this world happens with the knowledge and permission of Allah. Without the Will of Allah, nothing happens!Muslims are enjoined to say MaaShaaAllah and InShaaAllah in their day to day life. When making a plan, say Inshaa’Allah. If Allah wills, it will happen. Upon witnessing something pleasant or unpleasant, say MaaShaa’Allah. What Allah willed, has happened/What Allah wills, will happen! If you say these phrases by truly understanding its meaning and significance, then you will definitely feel a kind of closeness with your Lord, with Whose help, support, knowledge and permission everything happens!
+In a beautiful hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) and mentioned in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) said:“A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do, for your ” if” opens the (gate) of the doings of Satan”. (Read the Arabic text here)

‘Eid Al-Adha: Important Reminders (islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com)
we too need to increase in our ibaadah in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah just as we do in the month of Ramadan. Then, and only then, will we be able to enjoy the community celebration of ‘Eid al-Adha and truly give this blessed day the right and respect that it deserves.
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Another sunnah is to say the takbeerat “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha illAllah, wa Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise)” when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam comes.

Who knows you better? (lionkingstress.wordpress.com)
Many of us grow up thinking that no one knows us better than we know ourselves, because we alone experience our sadness and joy, our thoughts and feelings. But many of us forget that Allah is the one who gifts us those joyous moments, those thoughts and feelings, those sadness moments to ponder upon. We tend to forget that if Allah is powerful enough to create us and provide us with everything we have, then he is also the only One who understands what we truly need, what is best for us.

049.013 يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ
049.013 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

005.048 To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;

For English readers to remember:

I do understand that many Muslims may be very angry when they look at the “modern world”, seeing the decadence of our western society.In Christendom, where in the past centuries many tried to bring the heathen populations to Christ but by forcing conversion on them allowed them to bring heathen uses or traditions into the Christian religion, making it less pure and bringing lots of umbilical doctrines to the Christian faith.By wanting to push faith onto others by force, the Islamic community is undergoing more damage than receiving good.

Lots of people start believing that what those fighters claim to be for the good cause of faith and based on the Quran, is really based on what is written in the Quran. But that is not so. Lots of things they do are forbidden by the Quran.Lots of Christians do not want to see the relationship of major narratives recounted in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Therefore it would not be bad to compare the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God (Arabic: الله‎, Allah) with the Book of books of Christianity.

Lot of teachers in Islam teach that the Quran celebrates the differences amongst humankind, and instructs not only one faith group, but all of humanity to do good deeds, remaining good manners and morals, and to live in peace with each other.

The Quranic message of variety and coexistence is the cornerstone of the Islamic principle for a just and harmonious society. Thus religious pluralism, according to the Quranic teaching, is vital for social order and progress, and provides the key to tolerance: “There is no compulsion in religion (2:256); “You have your religion and I have mine.” (109:6).

Additional reading:

Related articles

The Mysterious Moderate Muslim (americanthinker.com)
Islamic values are codified in the Koran. The idea that some Muslims might interpret those values in a moderate way is like saying there’s such a thing as jihad lite. There’s no getting around the fact that a central tenet of the Koran is mass murder – whether through the directive to kill infidels (non-believers), apostates (those who leave Islam), or hypocrites (Muslims who don’t practice their religion appropriately). In other words, most of civilization is fair game for slaughter. What, pray tell, would be a moderate version of that?

The Sword of the Quran: a Treatise on Religious Violence in Islam (heavenboundpkay.wordpress.com)
Islamic militancy is rooted in divinely mandated blood-lust. Many would object, and yet it is more evident now than ever to the world that the Quran provides the theological and ideological framework within which bigotry, brutality and bloodshed is not sanctified but demanded from the faithful.It is more shameful to know that the words of this book are mostly inspired by the thoughts of the man Muhammad who was a brutal conqueror, marauding towns, and laying cities to waste, massacring men, enslaving their children and usurping their properties. He actually inspired his followers to battle when they felt it was not right to, promising them captured humans as commodities – slaves; and threatening them with Hell if they would not oblige. Muhammad allowed his men to rape women captured in battle, sometimes on the same day that their husbands were slain like wayward livestock.

A campaign by ISIS, also known as Islamic State, to destroy churches across Mosul, one of the ancient seats of Christianity where the faith has been practiced for 2,000 years, complies with the teaching of the Quran, according to several analysts.

The ISIS army of Islamic terrorists has been marching across Iraq, destroying Christians and evidence of their faith for months now. ISIS is blamed for the destruction of about 45 churches in Mosul.

Former Muslim Tells Obama How It Really Is With Islam and ISIL (pjmedia.com)
A former Muslim, the son of a Moroccan imam, posted a video this week called “A Message to President Obama From a Former Muslim,” in which he outlines both the dangers and motivations behind radical Islam.“Brother Rachid,” as he calls himself, says sarcastically that he does not disclose his full name because Islam is “the religion of peace.” He begins, “Dear Mr. President, with all due respect, sir, I must tell you that you are wrong about ISIL.” Rachid explains that his father is an Imam and he spent more than twenty years studying Islam. He said the president was wrong when he said that ISIL speaks for no religion. “I can tell you with confidence that ISIL speaks for Islam,” he said. “Allow me to correct you, Mr. President. ISIL is a Muslim organization.” He noted that even the name suggests ISIL is an Islamic movement.Brother Rachid, who has said that he converted to Christianity after listening to Trans World Radio broadcasts into Morocco, now preaches Christianity via an Arabic satellite TV program, which is broadcast throughout the Middle East. He explained to President Obama in his video that ISIS’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, holds a PhD in Islamic studies.”I doubt you know Islam better than he does. He was a preacher and an Islamic leader in one of the local mosques in Baghdad. ISIL’s 10,000 members are all Muslims. None of them are from any other religion. They come from different countries and have one common denominator — Islam.”

Top Guantanamo Detainees Release Statement Defending 9-11 Attacks on America (thegatewaypundit.com)
Many thanks to God who revealed the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran, and may God praise his messenger, the prophet Mohamed, so that he causes mercy to the two realms. Also, may God praise the prophet’s household, his entire companionship, and his followers until judgment day.With regards to these nine accusations that you are putting us on trial for; to us, they are not accusations. To us they are badges of honor, which we carry with pride. Many thanks to God, for his kind gesture, and choosing us to perform the act of Jihad for his cause and to defend Islam and Muslims.Therefore, killing you and fighting you, destroying you and terrorizing you, responding back to your attacks, are all considered to be great legitimate duty in our religion. These actions are our offerings to God. In addition, it is the imposed reality on Muslims in Palestine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq, in the land of the two holy sites [Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia], and in the rest of the world, where Muslims are suffering from your brutality, terrorism, killing of the innocent, and occupying their lands and their holy sites. Nevertheless, it would have been the greatest religious duty to fight you over your infidelity. However, today, we fight you over defending Muslims, their land, their holy sites,and their religion as a whole.

Islam Condemns Terrorism (ireport.cnn.com)
I am a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We are Muslims who believe in the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.
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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to categorically reject terrorism in any form. More than a century ago, Ahmad emphatically declared that the doctrine of violent jihad goes against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the practice of Muhammad. The Holy Quran says, “Whosoever killed a person – unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land – it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.” ( Ch.5: v. 33)

Former imam: God saved me from torture after Christian conversion (catholicnewsagency.com)
“The holy Quran converted me to Christianity,” said Mario Joseph, a former imam who shared the story of his conversion and subsequent persecution with the HM Television program “Changing Tracks,” broadcast by the EUK Mamie Foundation run by the Home of the Mother religious community.

The Ice Bucket competitor: Can the Quran Challenge go viral? (religionnews.com)
Issam Bayan, a 26-year-old student and professional Islamic singer, came up with the idea as a way to awaken Muslim piety, just as the Ice Bucket Challenge raised awareness and well over $30 million for ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease..While the #QuranChallenge has no specific cause, Bayan, who lives in Germany, said he wanted to make it available to all Muslims regardless of their financial ability to make a contribution. In an email interview, he said the benefits for this challenge are the rewards that a Muslim receives for reciting the Quran.

Muslims are crucifying Christians who refuse to convert to the Religion of Peace (wdtprs.com)
Won’t convert? Won’t pay your fine for being an infidel? You have 4 punishments options: public execution (Qatl), crucifixion (Salb) and amputation of one hand and one foot from opposite sides (Yuqata’ Aydihim wa-Arjulihim) or exile (Nafy).
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To the awe of its readership, a recent Daily Mail article reports that the “jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and Levant [ISIL],” [ISIS] which is currently entrenched in Raqqa, Syria, “publicly crucified two Syrian rebels in northeastern Syria in revenge for a grenade attack on members of their group.”While the Daily Mail is to be commended for exposing these barbaric acts-along with posting photos of the crucified-it nonetheless minimized their significance, in two important ways: 1) by repeatedly saying things like “even al-Qaeda is distancing itself from ISIL,” and so implying that the act of crucifixion is some wild aberration that even the poster-child of jihadi terror, al-Qaeda, wants nothing to do with it; and 2) ignoring the much “sexier” story that Christians in Syria are also being crucified simply for refusing to embrace Islam (as opposed to the rather mundane but politically more correct story of Islamic jihadis crucifying each other in the context of vendetta killings).

Life is very short and in it we get a lot of material to read. One of the more important books I got to read in my life were books which are considered by many as Holy Books.
One of those Holy Books I could not read in the original Arabic and had to trust several translations, which I read and compared with interest. Some of those translations were easy to read and follow, others were very difficult. But of all of them, some would say we may not read and follow those translations, because we only should read the original language: Arabic.

For me this would be very strange, because the people who say that also are sure their book is the Word of God. But when only people who can speak and understand Arabic would be able to read that Word of God, would this God not give the other people the chance to get to know His Word? Would a God of love withhold His Holy Word for people who have no knowledge of Arabic?

A Word of the Creator for all His creatures

Is there also not that God of gods Who tells the world that all people are created from a single man and a single woman, and made into races and tribes so that they should recognise one another. Is also not written in those Scriptures that in God’s eyes, the most honoured of those people are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware. (Sura 49:13)?

Front of the Quran (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I remember the many times I read and reread the Quran/Koran I got the impression words from the Old Jewish and Christian writings were brought together and were once more explained, sometimes in a different order, but still telling the same. Was I wrong to get the impression that according to Quranic teaching, religious pluralism is vital for social order and progress? Was I wrong to have the impression that, in the same way Jesus spoke about agapelove, and telling us that God wants to see people who have tolerance for others? Did the words of the prophet Muhammad also not tell about the attitude we should take unto others? Would the knowledge of the Quran also not provide the key to tolerance?

Celebrating difference

Are there not a lot of teachers in Islam who teach us that the Quran celebrates the differences amongst humankind, and instructs not only one faith group, but all of humanity to do good deeds, remaining good manners and morals, and to live in peace with each other.
I in the previous years of reading (several times) the Quran, that those words repeatedly addressed humanity as a whole and told the world how we should behave, how we should try to form our own character, and how we should present ourselves to others. Several of the old Muslim school taught that the Quran directs people towards justice, moral and spiritual values, and addresses Muslims specifically when referring to acts of worship and Islamic law.

They also say that:

The Quranic message of variety and coexistence is the cornerstone of the Islamic principle for a just and harmonious society. Thus religious pluralism, according to the Quranic teaching, is vital for social order and progress, and provides the key to tolerance: “There is no compulsion in religion (2:256); “You have your religion and I have mine.” (109:6).

Set up against each other because of misunderstandings

Because of the difficulties by different Muslims, Jews and Christians and their attitude going wrong against each other, I found it important to compare the words from those three monotheist religions together under one loop of neutrality and to look at them from my Christian Christadelphian viewpoint.

which Allah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), to bring mankind forth from darkness into light.

In case we can find the word of Allah, it is God, also in “the recitation” as presented, Who verbally revealed, to the prophet Muhammad in the 7°century CE, those words should be in unison and complementary with the previous words of the Divine Creator.

Not eliminating previous scriptures

Lots of people seem to forget that the Quran does not eliminate the previous writings, known as the Word of God. The book we often hear about in the news and where many of those terrorist shout about, namely the Quran (Quoran/Koran) confirms the Books which came before it, the Tawraat (Torah) and Injeel (Gospel).Many do not seem to understand the Quran is a witness over them, as Allah says

005.048 وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
005.048 To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;

Same or different god speaking

When it is the God of Moses speaking to the favoured prophet Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim, considered to be the founder of the religion of Islam and accepted by Muslims throughout the world as the last of the prophets of God, about the Holy Book that Quran (Quran/Koran)) in truth should confirm those books that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures).

According to Sahih al-Bukhari, the Quran was recited among Levantines and Iraqis, and discussed by Christians and Jews, before it was standardized. There are also some non-Muslim groups who view the Quran as holy, such as Baha’is and Druze. Unitarian Universalists may also seek inspiration from the Quran.

Being one of the most-reviled figures in the history of the West from the 7th century until quite recent times Muhamad has encountered also a lot of controversy, his life, deeds, and thoughts having been debated by followers and opponents over the centuries.

Because in the past those trying to bring faith unto others having used quite often a lot of aggression, there has come a fear on both sites for the other believer in the Divine Creator.

Followers of false prophets and false teachers

Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine. The organization’s banner leads from a verse in the Qur’an “And those who do jihad for Us, we shall guide them to our paths. And God is with those who do good.”

Today it even has become a bigger problem, having groups like those which foud inspiration in Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaida, Mujahideen, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Harakat al-Jihād or Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hezbollah, Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen- al-Islami, Hamas, Boko Haram, Taliban, closer to us the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad movement, and other jihadists who claim their global jihad is grounded in Quranic “divine command ethics.” The leaders of those growing groups claim authority to interpret the religious text. Like we can find some Christians taking the Bible writings very literally and not taking the old language in mind, those Islamic preachers do the same with an almost literal reading of their sacred scripture. They are really convinced ‘they alone’ see the truth and others should have to follow them, who are following “pureIslam.”

The “Pure Islam,” those teachers present, is a faith

“to please Allah Azzawajal by serving Islam within the means He has bestowed upon the world “Insha Allah””.

They say their guide is the Speech of Allah Azzawajal as it is contained in the Qur’an and their example is in the authentic Sunnah of Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

“as practiced by the Sahaabah radiallaahu ‘anhum and the righteous servants of Allah Azzawajal who have followed in their noble footsteps.”

The Kafirs and kaffers

Many of them paid by the Saudi Sunnis consider lots of other Muslim groups as ‘Kafir’ (كافر) which would be similar to calling them “disbeliever”. In Dutch it means non-believer, non-Mohammedan, and its variant ‘kaffer‘, invective, which has the meaning of peasant, ragamuffin rascal, scoundrel; peasant bastard; jerk; bastard, boorish person; boor; uncouth; infidel.

I do believe that in order to understand the true, peaceful Islam, we also should read the Quran and by having knowledge of that book, we also should be more able to speak to those Muslim brothers about their Holy Writing and about the matters spoken off in the Holy Scriptures the Bible.

Gabble over non-understandable words

We must be conscious that the great majority of Muslims around the world today, do not speak Arabic, and they too like we have to depend on translations. The greatest danger is that many of those Muslims dare not to take a translation but recite Quran verses in Arabic without really knowing what they say, a little bit like some decennia ago in Europe in the Catholic Churches, the priest speaking in Latin, with the majority in church not knowing what he really was saying. This way the preacher can say anything and make them believe anything what their denomination wants them to believe. That is also what we see happening today with the different Muslim groups. I know families in my street who have children married to two different Islamic groups, each saying the other is totally wrong and a bad Muslim. But none of them is willing to discuss the matters or to look at a Dutch Koran translation.

Speaking to each other

The followers of the prophet Jesus should take all opportunities to speak about their faith. They, in the growing Islamization of our world should let others see what Jesus preached and how he made the previous words of his heavenly Father clear. It is true Jesus did not write down his nor his Father‘s Words, but Muhammad left also the written recording of his messages to others. Both those prophets words should be compared with each other. Only by recognising what the other reads in his Holy Scriptures there can come an understanding but can also be shown where certain Muslim preachers go wrong and even go so far to teach matters contrary to the Quran.

Therefore to show people where certain Muslims went or go astray and to bring them back on the right path, plus to give both, non-believer, believer in One or a god, Jew, Christian and Muslim an idea of what is written and meant in certain scriptures, I shall present a comparison of the Quran and Bible and sometimes discuss the verses of both books.

As in Christendom there have been many human writers or theological scholars who brought ideas and schools. As in Christendom we can find many traditions in Islamic families and may find several books of traditional commentaries, to shed light on various passages. I also shall dare to have a look at them and invite Muslims and Christians to give their commentary or understanding on all those verses, traditional schooling and commentaries.

By looking at the Quran and the Bible, next to each other, Muslim and Christian can come to understanding each-other better, I do believe. But we all shall be able to come to see more clearly what makes the jihadists tick — and also perhaps understand what we can and must do to resist them.

from Smithsonian :Folio from a Koran :9th-10th century :Abbasid dynasty :Ink and color on parchment :H: 22.5 W: 29.7 cm :Egypt :Purchase, F1929.71 The verses are from sura (chapter) 22, entitled al-Hadj (Pilgrimage) and include a discussion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hadj is one of the five principal duties of every Muslim. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My religion Islam (ireport.cnn.com)
Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago, and establishes the continuity of God’s revelation which had descended upon earlier prophets such as Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. Islam, in fact, requires its followers to believe in all earlier prophets and Scriptures. According to Islam all the great religions that preceded it were revealed by God to His chosen messengers.
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There are sayings of Holy Prophet Mohammad regarding the coming of latter day Messiah who will try against the Unbelievers and will reestablish the glory of Islam. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization who believes that the long-awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was also foretold by the Prophet of Islam,

Australia: Muslims Drive By Church, Threaten To “Kill The Christians” And Slaughter Their Children (midnightwatcher.wordpress.com)
“A man claiming to be a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) walked into the front yard of St. Hurmiz Assyrian church, in Greenfield Park, Sydney, and shouted ‘come out you dogs, I will burn this church down in 1 explosion in 2 hours, just wait.’ According to witnesses, the man approached from a nearby shopping center. The police were called and the church provided them with video footage from security cameras. The man was arrested later in the day, but may be released for lack of stronger evidence. Church members were shaken. A women said she now fears to attend church because of the bombing threat.” Read more.

Turkey – Erdogan’s new Turkey to requires all students to study the Qur’an (asianews.it)
Turkey’s newly elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aided by his faithful new Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, begins his term of office with a major overhaul of the country’s education system.Although adopted a year ago, the reform plan, which has largely gone unnoticed, begins this year and extends Islamic religious education to all school grades. Only religious high schools (Imam Hatip Lisesi) offered such an education as part of their training programme for the country’s Muslim clergy. At the same time, the reform extends compulsory schooling from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
+Historically in fact, many Jews (and members of other ethnic groups and religions) chose to Turkify and Islamise their names and surnames out of sheer need for survival in view of the rules established following the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, based on the notion that Turkey was ethnically homogenous as a Turkish and Muslim nation.Following an outcry from world Jewish leaders, Turkish authorities suspended the measure in the case of Turkish Jews.However, many wonder about what will happen to the 200,000 Christian refugees from Syria who are at present in

Those who have memorized Quran are in high demand (stltoday.com)
“Huffaz” is plural for “hafiz,” (pronounced HA-fizz) the Arabic term for someone who has memorized the Quran. In the Muslim world, it’s an honor of high respect akin to professor or scholar.
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in countries like the United States, where Islam is young, huffaz have until recently been hard to come by. Many communities outsource the job during Ramadan.“Some parts of the world have a number of huffaz and other parts not so many,” said Ebrahim Moosa, a professor of religion and Islamic studies at Duke University. “In the U.S., there’s not a big supply of huffaz, so you have to get them from abroad.”Throughout the Muslim world, children begin to memorize the Quran early and even small, rural communities have a hafiz they can rely on during Ramadan. Similarly many large cities around the world have more huffaz than can be employed by their mosques during the holy month. Egypt, in particular, produces a number of highly respected huffaz, according to Moosa.

Killing Innocents (lionessblog.com)
I often have times suggested that folks read the Qur’an in order to learn firsthand what Islam is and what motivates Muslims to kill innocents, those that do not abide in an “authentic” Muslim’s Qur’an based belief system. As I listened to Barack Obama claim that “ISIL is not Islamic – No religion condones the killing of innocents! ” I thought; the guy needs to read the Qur’an and understand the sequence of its numbered sura (verses) and what that means. I said something much less controlled as those who know me well might imagine, and I decided I must do this. I don’t want to do this, but I just can’t stand it anymore. I have a few similar things in the past, and as the fates would have it, I cannot find even one of them. I must save this…….
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Islam means “submission.” Its root, salam, means peace, but not peace as you would think of it. It refers to peace that will prevail in the world once all mankind converts to Islam. Of course which major sect of Islam that will be, Sunni or Shiite, is still up for grabs. In that regard, there should be no doubt in any mind that the Sunni – Shiite struggle for Islamic supremacy is the major conflict in the Middle East. We see it manifested in Syria and now Iraq even while the Shiite Iraqis (with our help) try to paper over real Sunni grievances.

What is Islam and how can Christians respond (theaustralianopinion.blogspot.com)
Christians and Jews are acknowledged as “people of the book,” although their failure to conform to the confession of Islam labels them as unbelievers. Following are several questions that Muslims have about Christianity.

The Bible was completed 500 years before the Quran was
revealed to Muhammad. If someone today wrote a book that
contradicts a historical document written at the time of
an event that took place in 1497 the person who wrote the
second book would have to be able to prove the older
document was false AND also prove its facts were true.

If jihadists were actually “perverting a great religion”, Muslims would have been able to discredit them on Islamic grounds and they would have done so by now. The reason they can’t is because jihadists are acting according to the words of Allah, the Muslim God.

Recent Posts from Christadelphians for you about: Messiah For All

Jewish and Christian literature since the time of Yeshua or Jeshua have pointed to Genesis 3:15 as the first reference to the Messiah in the Torah. Genesis 3:15 NHEBJE I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his […]

The first human beings had chosen to go their own path. As any good father would do when his children had done something wrong, God punished them. But as a loving Father He in His great mercy promised for a solution and preserved David’s bloodline and the Messianic promise. Mankind had chosen Yet, we each […]

Do you know where in the Bible we find God‘s first promise to send the Messiah? The answer is foundational to our faith because within this first Messianic Prophecy mentioned in the Bible lies our fate of eternal separation from God. Too many christians limit the Bible to the second main part, the Messianic Writings, […]

The Divine Creator of heaven and earth wished not to leave the ones sent out of the Garden of Eden on their own. Though Adam and Eve rebelled against God, Him having expelled them, the Elohim was willing to stay close to them and to help there where He could or where it was appropriate […]

Those people coming from the first man and woman in a certain way got infected by the wrong choice these people made. God gave a free will to the human beings He created. He did not want them to go wrong or to have it bad, but because they objected to His ruling or His […]

++++ I CORINTHIANS 15:28_ 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD may be . . . ALL IN ALL. * To remember Php 3:21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that […]

In today’s reading we read that Jehovah keeps His promise and brings His chosen ones into the hind which their fathers possessed. “5 and Jehovah thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. 6 […]

Today’s thought “Amen” (May 10) In our Deuteronomy reading today the word ‘Amen’ occurs no less than twelve times! Very soon now the Israelites will be crossing the Jordan, but Moses will no longer be their leader. Their crossing of the Jordan carries great symbolism, “Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, ‘Keep […]

Today’s thought “… with all your heart” (May 09) Sometimes we use the phrase ‘half-hearted’ meaning – we do not feel total commitment to what we are doing. We cannot follow God and His Son, who died for us, in this frame of mind. Our chapter in Deuteronomy today contains a powerful appeal by Moses […]

Liverpool city and the South of the Low countries have recently had an influx of Farsi speaking Iranians, mostly refugees in Britain and Holland. In Liverpool and in Brussels, Eindhoven and Gilze, they have a need to produce literature in and maintain an internet presence in the Farsi language. This means that in Liverpool they […]

Recent Posts from the Brethren: Broeders in Christus

After the story of the creation in Genesis 1 and 2 we get the story of the partner of Adam, the mannin Eve, to be tempted and getting Adam with her disobeying God his order not to eat from the Tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 3). As punishment Adam and Eve were […]

Living human beings Around us we can see people, male and female. Those living on this earth mostly think they are the most important beings. People may consider themselves as the highest form of earthly life. They should know that they are a product of the Creator, Jehovah God, Who formed them in His image. […]

Elie Wiesel wrote an essay on “Cain and Abel in the Bible” for the “Bible Review”, February 1998. In his essay he looks at mankind’s first murderer. Cain and Abel: The first two brothers of the first family in history. Elie Wiesel wonders why they do hold such an important place in our collective memory, […]

In the Book of books we learn about human beings, animals and plants, but hear also about celestial beings. In the Hebrew writings we find the mal·ʼakhʹ and in the Greek writings the agʹge·los. Both words literally mean “messenger” but are rendered “angel” in many bible translations, when referring to spirit messengers. (Ge 16:7; 32:3; […]

Matthew 12:46-50 – The True Family of Messiah || Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21 MT12:46 While still speaking to the crowds, look! his mother[1] and brothers[2] were waiting outside to speak with[3] Jesus. MT12:47 Someone called to Jesus, “Look! Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you.” MT12:48 Jesus responded and told […]

Matthew 12:38-42 – Signs in Jonah and the Queen of the South || Luke 11:29-32 MT12:38 Some of the scribes and Pharisees[1] responded to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign[2] from you.” MT12:39 Jesus answered them, saying, “A wicked and adulterous generation[3] keeps seeking for a sign; and, no sign will be […]

Matthew 12:33-37 – Judgment Day! || Luke 6:43-45 MT12:33 “You either make the tree[1] good[2] and its fruitage[3] good, or[4] you make the tree rotten and the fruitage rotten. For a tree is known by its fruitage. MT12:34 Generation of vipers,[5] how can you speak good[6] when you are wicked? For out of the heart’s […]

Matthew 12:31-32 – Blasphemy against the Pneuma || Luke 12:10 MT12:31 “Because of this I tell you: Every human sin[1] and blasphemy[2] will be canceled,[3] but blasphemy against the Pneuma[4] will not be canceled. MT12:32 And so whoever speaks a word against the Son[5] of Humankind – it will be canceled. However, anyone who speaks […]

Recent Posts from Bible scholars: Bijbelvorser = Bible Researcher

Lots of people saying Jesus did not exist forget that about that man there are written many more books and there can be found much more proofs of his existence, from his own time then about other people. There are classical or Greco-Roman, Jewish and Christian scriptures talking about events around that Nazarene Jewish master teacher, […]

The Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) from the Hebrew Bible is a love song beyond compare— although it has been compared to everything. Some have deemed it ancient pornography. Others have sung its praise. In the second century C.E., Rabbi Akiva called it the “holy of holies.”1 Modern artist Marc Chagall’s interpretation of […]

Professor Charles R. Krahmalkov in the pages of Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR), wrote “In Biblical studies truth is often only a matter of personal opinion, or a test of scholarly perceptions, or a momentary consensus.” We would not so much agree with that. For us the Truth would be to cling to the literal word […]

The second Protestant church in Jerusalem (the first being Christ Church near Jaffa Gate) the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer its bell tower dominates the Old City skyline of Jerusalem. The Evangelical Jerusalem Foundation, one of the three foundations of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) in the Holy Land owns the building which was […]

Last year 50 000 Jews left France for better pastures. In Belgium we also find many who preferred to go to Israel and to face the difficulties there between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. When rabbi Prosper Abenaim first arrived at La Courneuve’s Ahavat Chalom synagogue in 1992 there were over 4,000 Jews in the neighbourhood […]

European politicians shall have to show its true face to the Europeans who look for a democratic and free Europe. Spain’s Supreme Court prefers to neglect the democratic Catalonian votes, which were already expressed in difficult times, the Spanish government doing everything to block it. In total, Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena indicted 25 former […]

In the United States of America we see a growing trend of limiting the freedom of expression. Not only in that world-power we may find that viewpoint diversity in the academy is alarmingly low, and that we can notice the next generation of academics being likely to be even less tolerant of opposing views. A […]

Ron Srigley, Los Angeles Review of Books, 22 February 2018 Administrators control the modern university. The faculty have ‘fallen,’ to use Benjamin Ginsberg’s term. It’s an ‘all-administrative’ institution now. Spending on administrators and administration exceeds spending on faculty, administrators out-number faculty by a long shot, and administrative salaries and benefit packages, particularly those of presidents and […]

A few decades ago mankind had its higher institutions to stimulate people to do research and to create new things. In 1963, the Robbins inquiry into British higher education, which set the framework for the expansion of universities over the next few decades, argued that learning was a good in itself. ‘The search for truth […]